•^^1!%^ 



No. 3. 

• ■' ^ / '■ 

Just Published. The "Popular Edition" of Baker's Pleading' Clwb^nd I^and 
Speaker. Nos. 1, 2, and 3. 50 selections in each. Price 15 of-nta < nf h. 




Copyriglit, 18V6, by George m. Bakee 



Spencer's Universal Stage. 



"^ 



A Collection of COMEDIES, DRAMAS, and FARCES, adapted to either Public or Private 
Performance. Containing a full description of all the 
necessary Stage Business. 

PRICE, 15 CENTS EACH. i^~ No Plays Exchanired. 



10. 



11. 



36. 



1. LOST IN LONDON. A Drama in 3 Acts. 

U male, 4 female characters. 

2. NICHOLAS FLAM. A Comedy in 2 Acta. 

By J. 15. Buckstone. 5 male, S female cliar. 37. 

3. THE "WELSH GIRL. A Comedy in 1 Act. 

By Mrs. Planche. 3 male, 2 female char. 

4. JOHN ■WOPPS. A Farce in 1 Act. By 

W. E. Suter. 4 male, 2 female char. 
6. THE TTJKKISH BATH. A Farce in 1 Act. 39. 
By Montague Williams and F. C. Burnand. 
G male, 1 female char. 40, 

6. THE TWO PtTDDIFOOTS. AFarceinl 

Act. By J. JI. Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. 41. 

7. OLD HONESTY. A Comic Drama in 2 

Acts. By J. M. Morton. 5 male, 2 female char. 43, 

8. TWO GENTLEMEN IN A FIX. A 

Farce in 1 Act. By V. E. Suter. 2 male char. 

9. SMASHINGTON GOIT. A Farce in 1 Act. 43. 
By T. J. Williams. 5 male, 3ifemale char. 

TT^rO HEADS BETTER THAN ONE. A 
Farce in 1 Act. By Lenox Home. 4 male, 44. 
1 female char. 

JOHN DOBBS. A Farce in 1 Act. ByJ. M. 
Jlortoii. 5 male, 2 female char. 45. 

12. THE DAUGHTER of the REGIMENT. 

A Drama in 2 Acts. By Edward Fitzball, 46. 
C male, 2 female char. 

13. AUNT CHARLOTTE'S MAID. AFarceinl 

Act. By J. M. -Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. 47. 

14. BROTHER BILL AND ME. A Farce in 

1 Act. By W. E. Suter. 4 male, 3 female char. 43. 

15. DONE ON BOTH SIDES. A Farce in 1 

Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 2 female char. 49. 

16. DUNDUCKETTY'S PICNIC. A F:irce in 1 

Act. By T. J. Williams. C male, 3 female char. 

17. I'VE WRITTEN TO BROWNE. A Farce 50. 

inl.Vct. By T. J. Williams. 4 male, 3 female 
char. 65. 

19. MY PRECIOUS BETSY. A Farce in 1 

Act. By J. JI. Blorton. 4 male, 4 female char. 56. 

20. MY TURN NEXT. A Farce in 1 Act. By 

T. J. Williams. 4 male, 3 female char. 

22. THE PHANTOM BREAKFAST. A Farce 57. 

in 1 Act. By Chas. Selljy- ■! male, 2 female char. 

23. DANDELION'S DODGES. A Farce in 1 

Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 male, 2 female char. 58. 

24. A SLICE OP LUCK. A Farce in 1 Act. By 

J. JI. Morton. 4 male, 2 female char. 59. 

25. ALWAYS INTENDED. A Comedy in 1 

Act. By Horace Wigan. 3 male, 3 female char. 60. 

26. A BULL IN A CHINA SHOP. A Comedy 

in 2 Acts. By Charles Matthews. 6 male, 4 61. 
female char. 

27. ANOTHER GLASS. A Drama in 1 Act. By 62. 

Thomas Mortou. G male, 3 female char. 

28. BOWLED OUT. A Farce in 1 Act. By II. 63. 

T. Craven. 4 male, 3 female char. 

29. COUSIN TOM. A Commcdietta in 1 Act. By 64. 

Geo. Roberts. 3 male, 2 female char. 

30. SARAH'S YOUNG MAN. A Farce in 1 65. 

Act. By W. E. Suter. 3 male, 3 female char. 

31. HIT HIM, HE HAS NO FRIENDS. A 66. 

Farce in 1 Act. By E. Yates and N. H. Har- 
rington. 7 male, 3 female char. 

32. THE CHRISTENING. A Farce In 1 Act. 67. 

By J. B. Buckstone. 5 male, 6 female char. 

33. A RACE FOR A W^IDOW. A Farce in I 68. 

Act. ByT. J. Williams. Smale, 4 female char. 

34. YOUR LIFE'S IN DANGER. A Farce in 69. 

1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. 

35. TRUE UNTO DEATH. A Drama in 2 Acts. 70. 

By J. Sheridan Knowles. 6 male, 2 female char. 

Descriptive Catalog^te -mailed free on application 
CEO. M. BAKER & CO. 



DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. An Interlude 

in 1 Act. By W. H. Murray. 10 male, 1 female 

char. 
LOOK AFTER BROWN. A Farce in 1 Act. 

By George A. Stuart, M. D. Gmalc, 1 female 

char. 
MONSEIGNEUR. A Drama in 3 Acts. By 

Thomas Archer. 15 male, 3 female char. 

A VERY PLEASANT EVENING. A 
Farce in 1 Act. By W. E. Suter. 3 male char. 

BROTHER BEN. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. 

JI. Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. 
ONLY A CLOD. A Comic Drama in I Act. 

By J. P. Simpson. 4 male, 1 iemale char. 
GASPARDO THE GONDOLIER. A 

Drama in 3 Acts. By George Almar. 10 male, 

2 female char. 
SUNSHINE THROUGH THE CLOUDS. 

A Drama in 1 Act. By Sliugsby Lawrence. 3 

male, 3 female char. 
;. DON'T JUDGE BY APPEARANCES. A 

Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 2 

female char. 
NURSEY CHICKWEED. A Farce in 1 Act. 

By T. J. Williams. 4 male, 2 Iemale char. 
MARY MOO ; or, Whioli shall I Marry? 

A Farce in 1 Act. By W. E. Suter. 2 male, 1 

female char. 
EAST LYNNE. A Drama in 5 Acts. 8 male, 

7 female char. 
THE HIDDEN HAND. A Drama in .5 Acts. 

By Robert Jones. 10 male, 7 female char. 
SILVERSTONE'S WAGER. A Commedi- 

etta in 1 Act. By R. R. Andrews. 4 male, 3 fe- 
male char. 
DORA. A Pastoral Drama in3 Acts. By Chas. 

Reade. 5 male, 2 female char. 
THE WIPE'S SECRET. A Play in 5 Acts. 

By Geo. W. Lovell. 10 male, 2 iemale char. 
. THE BABES IN THE WOOD. A Com- 
edy in 3 Acts. By Tom Taylor. 10 male, 3 fe- 
male char. 
, PUTKINS i Heir to Castles in the Air. 

A Comic Drama in 1 Act. By W. K. Emcrsou. 

2 male, 2 feujale char. 
. AN UGLY CUSTOMER. A Farce in 1 Act. 

By Thomas J. Williams. 3 male, 2 female char. 
. BLUE AND CHERRY. A Comedy in 1 Act. 

3 male, 2 female char. 
. A DOUBTFUL VICTORY. A Comedy in 

1 Act. 3 male, 2 female char. 
THE SCARLET LETTER. A Drama in 3 

Acts. 8 male, 7 female char. 
. WHICH WILL HAVE HIM ? A Vaude- 
ville. 1 male, 2 female char. 
MADAM IS ABED. A Vaudeville in 1 Act. 

2 male, 2 female char. 
. THE ANONYMOUS KISS. AVaudeviUe. 

2 male, 2 female char. 
, THE CLEFT STICK. A Comedy in 8 Acts. 

6 male, 3 female char. 
. A SOLDIER, A SAILOR, A TINKER, 

AND A TAILOR. A Farce in 1 Act. 4 male, 

2 female char. 
. GIVE A DOG A BAD NAME. A Farce. 

2 male, 2 Iemale char. 
. DAMON AND PYTHIAS. A Farce. 6 

male, 4 female char. 
, A HUSBAND TO ORDER. A Serio-comic 

Drama in 2 Acts. 5 male, 3 female char. 
. PAYABLE ON DEMAND. A Domestic 

Drama in 2 Acts. 7 male, 1 female char. 

to 

, 41-45 Franklin St., Boston. 



CLASS DAY. 



^ Sfuxtz in ©ne 2[ct. 



FRANCIS A. HARRIS. 



AS ORIGINALLY PLAYED BY THE PI ETA SOCIETY OF HARVARD 

COLLEGE; WITH STAGE BUSINESS, COSTUMES, 

RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. 



BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED BY GEO. M. BAKER & CO., 

41-45 Franklin Street. 



ly-] 






Copyright. 

By GEO. M. BAKER & CO. 

1877. 



TMP92-009179 



CLASS-DAY. 

Scene takes place in the room of an undergraduate at 
Harvard College. Folding doors at back are opened so as 
to show an alcove, in which is seen a small bed, in which 
Frank is discovered at rise of curtain. Heavy curtains are 
looped at either side so as to let fall and conceal the bed. 
Furniture of good quality. On the walls are pictures, a pair 
of oars crossed, boxing gloves ; signs, such as " Wm. Sweet 
& Co." &c., &c. It is a box scene with window at L. F. 
Fire-place at L. centre of side ; at R. of alcove, a book-case 
or shelf; at R. corner, back, a small telegraph key-board. 
In centre of room, a little to Z., table. Easy chairs and 
common chairs here and there. There is only one entrance, 
by practical door R. F. On one of the chairs is a dress suit, 
(this chair is not far from alcove). A bundle of clothes lies 
on floor near book-case. 

PLOT OF SCENE. 



•I 




Bed. 








~\ 




" " 




Alcove. 


1 






1 


= Book.. [j B„„^,. 




J 1 Key-board of Telegraph. 


D 


Chair with Clothet. 






Lounge. j~j chair. 










Table. Fire Place 

1 


Prsct. Door. 




j 1 Arm chair. 














j 1 Chair. 

W 


ode 


w. 



L_ 



PROPERTIES. 

Fish-pole and Line, Shaggy Mat, Tongs, Bundle of Clothes 
Key-board, Books, Pipes, Bed-clothes, Batons /or Marshals 
Suit of Clothes {dress). Signs, Knick-Knacks. 



CHARACTERS. 



Hon. John Buncombe. 

Frank Buncombe," 

Ned Taylor, 'Students. 

— Howard, 

Lottie Taylor. 
Olive Taylor. 
Mrs. Taylor. 

Costumes, modern and appropriate. 



CLASS-DAY. 

A FARCE. 



At rise of curtain, Frank is discovered asleep in bed, 
snoring. He is dressed, except coat, but the whole is covered 
by a pajamah or long dressing-gown, and trowscrs rolled 
up, so that he has the appearance of not being dressed. Stock- 
ings on, no shoes. These are on the floor of room. Knock 
at door. Frank snores. Knock louder. 

Frank {in his sleep). I pass. {Knock still louder.") 

Frank {turns over in bed). Euchred again. I've got 
both bowers. 

Enter Ned Taylor in full dress, with baton. Looks 
around. Discovers Frank in bed. 

Ned. Well, by Jove ! ! Here it is nine o'clock on class- 
day morning, and the Chief Marshal snoring away in bed, 
as if he'd only got recitations to attend to. {going to bed, 
and shaking Frank). I say ! Frank ! Wake up, wake up I 
Upon my soul he couldn't sleep sounder if he was listening 
to one of those burlesques, he is forever trying to write 
{shaking him again). Now, then, wake up ! ! 

Frank {sits up in bed, confused). Eh ? No. No more 
punch. Whose deal is it.'' {Consciojis.) Hulloa, Ned, wharz 
ze row ? Been dreaming. Whaz ze matter ? eh .'' 

Ned. Matter.? Matter enough. The class is all as- 
sembled down by University Hall, ready to start, and you, 
the Chief Marshal, not even out of bed {crosses back into 
room). 

Frank {Jumps out of bed, and coines out). Great Scott J 
You don't say so ! What ever shall I do ? That infernal 
punch and euchre in your room till two this morning quite 
did the business for me. Won't the men wait ? They must 
wait. Rundown. Tell 'em I've met with an accident, — any- 
thing to keep them. 

Ned. But we shall be awfully late. How much time do 
you want to dress in } 



CLASS-DAY. 6 

Frank. Oh, fifteen minutes, ten minutes, two minutes, 
any thing ! 

Ned. Well, I'll try. Come to think of it, I want to run 
down to the square myself, and see it my sister and a friend 
of hers have come, and send them up to my room. 

Frank. Then call for me when you come back. It won't 
be any trouble, for your room is just across the entry. 

Ned. Oh, I shan't come up with them. But I'll give you 
just fifteen minutes ; and then, if you're not there, I'll take 
the lead, and off we go. 

Frank. All right. I'll be there, sure. 

Ned. Well, see that you are. Now flax round. {Exit.) 

Frank {stretching atid yawning). This is what one might 
call pleasant, — this is. Fifteen minutes to arrange my toilette, 
which I wish to be especially stunning to-day, — the most 
important day of my life. Hold on, I might be married 
sometime. That's what they call the most important day in 
a man's life. {Looks for brushes.) Pshaw, that's all nonsense ! 
A man may be married half a dozen times, if his courage 
holds out ; but class-day, — ah, that comes only once in a life- 
time. Why, I wouldn't miss the glory of being Chief Mar- 
shal to-day for half the world ! Where are those brushes ? 
Oh, here they are ! {Brushes clothes.) Speaking of marrying, 
I mean to settle matters with Lottie to-day. Never so good 
a time to pop the question. Lobster salad, ice-cream, — just 
the sort of thing to make a girl say Yes, or look it. But then 
Lottie is so awfully proper. She never gives me a chance. 
She always keeps me at arm's length, and such an arm's 
length! She's as shy as a gazelle. Gazelle? Yes, that's the 
bird, I believe. It's some sort of a deer. Ha, ha ! so is Lot- 
tie, — put that in my next burlesque. Let's see, what is it 
Moore says 'i — "I never nursed a dear gazelle, but what it fell 
upon the 'buttered side." ' There, that'll do! {Throws down 
brush.) _ I must have a cigarette, class or no class. {Rolls 
one. Lights it, and smokes during speech.) Yes, I'll pop the 
question to-day. Speaking of pop, there's dad, the Honorable 
John, he'll be here to-day. Wonder how his investigating 
committee in Congress will get on without him. Good job 
they don't have investigating committees for students. 
Thanks to base-ball and theatricals. I couldn't make much 
of a showing on the rank list ; but the Hon. John goes in for 
show, he does ; and when he sees me at the head of the class, 



CLASS-DAV. 7 

with this baton, it'll be worth one year in Europe anyhow. 
Oh, yes, he'll shell out then, .though he keeps me awfully 
short here. Folks speak of him as a "perfect walking 
bank;" by George, he is — a savings bank. Hope he'll 
know enough not to wear that everlasting dress-coat of 
his. That's our sole privilege to-day. {Throws down 
cigarette.) Well, this won't do. Where are my stock- 
ings ? Coat, vest, trowsers, collar, necktie, — every thing but 
stockings. Just my luck, every thing packed up, and 
sent home, and so I can't get another pair. Whose got 
my hosel — put that in my next burlesque. Never mind, 
I'll go w'ithout 'era. {Puts on boots, and discoTers stock- 
ings on feet.) Why, here they are ! Confound that punch ! 
Must have gone to bed with them on. Hulloa, there's that 
bundle for the poco. Blessed institution, these dealers in 
old clothes ! If a man gets a bad habit here, he can sell it 
to the poco — put that in my next burlesque, improvement 
on the old legal joke about new suits. Well, now, for a wash. 
{Goes into alcove, drops curtains. Enter Lottie and Olive.) 

Olive. Are you sure this is the room.'' 

Lottie. Sure.'' Of course. Didn't Ned say two flights, 
front room ? 

Olive. But you knowthere's another just across the entry. 

Lottie {taking up book, looks at fly-leaf). There, read 
that, "E. Taylor." You don't suppose in college a man's 
books would be anywhere but in his own room ? 

Olive. No, I suppose not. How disorderly the room is ! 
Just see. Here's a whole suit of clothes. 1 declare, I'm 
quite uneasy. 

Lottie. Now don't be fussy, OHve. I'm sure I don't 
think there's any thing very alarming about a suit of clothes 
— without a man in them — and they aren't half so interesting. 

Olive. Well, I must say that the clothes seem to be the 
chief part of the young men I've met. 

Frank {about to come out, sees girls). O, Lord ! {Dodges 
back.) 

Lottie. Well, my dear, dress and address win the most 
in this world, — at least, that's what Mr. Buncombe says. 
(Frank puts his head out between curtains.) 

Olive. I suppose I shall see Mr. Buncombe to-day, 
shan't I ? 

Lottie. Yes, if you look around. 



CLASS-DAY. 8 



Frank {dod^ng back, aside). No, you won't. 

Olive. How long are we to wait here.'' (Frank's ^^d:t/(?«/.) 

Lottie. Oh, an Iiour or so, I think. 

Frank {aside). This is a nice situation. Two females, 
one of them Lottie; of all the unlucky chances! Going to 
stay an hour. How can I get my clothes .-' 

Olive. Is this Mr. Buncombe nice ? 

Lottie. Um, ah, well, he dances nicely ; but he's such a 
muff. 

Frank {aside). Well, a muff can't be a boa, that's one 
consolation, —put that in my next burlesque. 

Olive. What do you mean by a muff, Lottie ? 

Lottie. Why, why, you know, something very soft ; only 
squeezes your hands, and says nothing ! 

Frank, {aside). This is becoming interesting. 

Olive. Then you mean that Mr. Buncombe squeezes your 
hands, and says nothing. 

Lottie. Oh, dear, no ! How you misunderstand me ! I 
mean the muff says nothing. If Mr. Buncombe squeezed 
my hands, it would be saying something. 

'Olive. I should think so. 

Lottie. I've given him lots of chances, but he never does. 

Frank {aside). By Jove, young woman, the next time 
I have a chance, my hand shall be a whole Webster's 
unabridged ! 

Olive {goes to table, takes up so7iie poker chips). Oh, see 
these red and white buttons ! Why, they haven't any eyes ! 
What are they for .? 

Lottie. Oh, those are counters for some game at cards, 
coalhod, or shovel, I think is — 

Olive. What a queer name for a game ! 

Lottie. No, I remember. It's poker. I knew it was 
something to do with a fire-place. Ned tried to teach me 
once, buti couldn't learn. You have to be blind every little 
while. 

Olive. Perhaps that's why the buttons don't have any eyes. 

Lottie. Perhaps it is. I think they call it bluff, too. 

Olive. Yes, Blind man's bluff, isn't it.^ But see there 
(pointing). What does Ned have these signs up here for? 

Lottie. I don't know. When he was conditioned in 
mathematics, he always used to be talking about sines and 
cosines. Perhaps that's one of 'em. 



CLASS-DAY. 9 

Olive. " Wm. Sweet & Co." That's a co. sign, surely. 
(Frank tries to steal out, and get clothes.) 

Lottie, I guess so {turning. Frank goes back. Lot- 
tie goes to keyboard). O Olive ! here's the telegraph. 
Do you know, they have a regular company here ; and the 
wires go all over the college to the different men's rooms. 
Ned told me all about it. He taught me how to telegraph, 
too. With a pencil, we could talk in a whole room full, and 
no one could know what we were saying. 

Olive. Wouldn't it be fun to telegraph to some one? 

Lottie. Wouldn't it, though? 

Frank (aside). Now's my chance {lying on stomach, tries 
to reach clothes with tongs). 

Lottie {runs to table, and puts doivn fan and gloves). 
Let's see, to whom shall we telegraph ? {Crosses back.) 
Oh, here's the list! (Reads.) Benedict, Norton, Howard — 
Howard, I know him. He's a splendid fellow. He's just 
too sweet to live! — a perfect gentleman. We'll send to 
Howard. 

Frank (aside). These infernal tongs won't reach. 

Olive. What message shall we send ? 

Lottie. Oh, ask him to come over here ! Won't he be 
surprised, when he finds us here instead of Ned ? Seems as 
if he were here now. 

Frank {aside, a la Hamlet). "Seems, madam? nay, is!" 

Olive. Well, go on. 

Lottie (looks at list). His call-number is nine. Now. 
{Telegraphs. They ivait. Machine sounds.) Yes, he's there. 
Now then, c-o-m-e (telegraphing) o-v-e-r h-e-r-e. Sign, 
N-e-d. 

Olive. Isn't it jolly? 

Lottie. Hark, here comes the answer ! (Key sounds. 
Lottie reads by ear) G-o go t-o to t-h-e D-e-v — Oh, 
the horrid thing! 

Olive. What a queer message ! " Go to the D-e-v. 
Oh, the horrid thing ! " 

Lottie (cojnes forward). Olive, Mr. Howard has con- 
signed me to the region of linen dusters and fans. He told 
me to go to the devil. He's no gentleman ! ! 

Olive. Who? the devil ? 

Lottie. Now, Olive, I am shocked ! It was bad enough 
in Howard ; but for you to say who, the devil — 

Olive. I never said any such thing. 



10 CLASS-DAY. 

Lottie. Oh, you fib, you just said it ! 

Olive {angry). Charlotte Taylor ! ! ! 

Lottie. Olive Hale ! You did. (Frank appears at top 
of curtains, zuith pole arid tine, with which he tries to hook 
his clotlies during dialogue^ 

Lottie {conciliating). Perhaps you didn't mean to say it. 

Olive {firmly). Charlotte, I did not say it ! ! 

Lottie. Oh, you did ! you did ! did ! did ! did ! 

Frank {aside). Go it, my dears. 

Olive. You're a mean thing, there {Jloimces into chair, 
front). 

Lottie. Now, Olive, don't let's fall out to-day. 

Frank {aside). I only wish they would fall out, — out of 
the window. {Music heard outside.) Oh, dear, they are 
starting ! What shall I do ? {Fishes desperately.) 

Olive, 'Twas as much your fault as mine. 

Lottie. No, it wasn't. It was that Mr. Howard. There, 
let's make up. ( They kiss, Frank sneezes, Pole up against 
ceiling.) 

Olive. What was that? Didn't you hear a noise? 
{Walks nervously. Hook catches in dress as she starts. 
Feels pull.) Did you pull me ? 

Lottie {nervous). How absurd ! No. 

Olive {starting again). Something did. I do believe 
the room is haunted. 

Lottie {latighs hysterically). Don't talk about it ! You 
make me nervous. {Double knock at door ; both scream.) Oh, 
it is spirits ! Let's run ! (Olive drags pole atid lirte after her.) 

Olive. Oh, it's got me ! — it's got me ! {Both scream, and 
run to arm-chair., where they bury their heads. Enter Levy, 
the Poco.) 

Levy. Veil, veil, vot ish der matters ? My grazious, vas 
dot so.'' Young voomans, young voomans, 

Lottie. Go away, go away. Go back to Mrs, Hardy. 
We don't want any spirits here. 

Levy, Poco. Veil, but 1 ton't know Mishus Hardy, und 
I ton't got no shperits. I dares to do right. I only got cigars. 

Olive {looks up). Why, it's only a man ! 

Levy, Mine gracious ! You didn't tink I vas a voomans, 
tid you ? 

Lottie {rising, then marching boldly up to him). What 
do you want ? 



CLASS-DAY. 1 1 

Olive {follows, — screams). Oh, it's got me again! 

Lottie {looking). Ha ! ha ! ha ! Why, you've caught your 
dress on Ned's trout line! {Releases het:) 

Levy, {aside). Yesh, dot Ned did always got some pooty 
gal on the shtring. {Aloud.) Veil, young voomans, I yust 
come up here to get Mr. Buncombe's clothes. He told me to 
come to-day. 

Lottie. I don't know any thing about his clothes {re- 
flecting). They wouldn't be in Ned's room, any way. 

Olive {pointing to dress-suit). Aren't those the ones ? 

Lottie. Why, perhaps they are! Here, take them {giv- 
ing clothes to Levy. Frank looks on, horror struck). Now 
go away ! 

Levy. All right, my tears. (Frank wildly signals to 
Levy, who sees him, but takes no notice.) 

Levy. Yesh, I vill go right along. {Exit, puts head back 
into room.) You tells Mr. Buncombe dot I calls again to- 
morrow. {Exit, with clothes.) 

Lottie. What did he mean ? Call again to-morrow ? I 
thought he was Mr. Buncombe's servant. 

Olive. I believe he was a confidence man. I wish we 
hadn't let him have the clothes, 

Frank {aside). Great Scott ! I can't stand this. {Coughs.) 

Olive. There, did you hear that? 

Lottie. That's only Ned's dog. {Calls.) Keno ! Keno ! 

Olive. Don't! Don't! I'm afraid of dogs. 

Frank {aside). I have it. {Retires, and barks.) 

Lottie. Here, Keno, good dog ! 

Olive. Oh, Lottie, let's go ! 

Frank {continues to growl and bark. Girls start to door. 
Frank crawls out on all fours, wrapped in spread and 
shaggy mat, growling. Girls scream, and exeunt hurriedly. 
Frank stands up. Class song outside. He listens, then 
sinks in a chair in despair). They are gone. The 
fiends, — I mean the angels, — are gone. So is the class. 
{Starting up, tragically.) " Horror on horror's head ac- 
cumulate " ! ! What can I do ? I can't go to the church in 
this costume. It's original, — in fact, I may say aboriginal. 
Imagine my going in there like Metamora, — "You have 
sent for me, and I have come. If you do not want me, I will 
return." Strikes me I should return — at a decidedly acceler- 
ated pace. " Stand not upon the order of my going, but go at 



12 



CLASS-DAY. 



once." Well, I must have something. I can't stay here any 
longer in this blanket, — this wet blanket on my happiness. 
{Opens bundle.) 1 '11 put on these old things. These trowsers 
aren't so bad. I'll be in time for the poem, anyhow. (Frank 
is back to door. Etiter Mrs. Taylor, ivithout knocking-) 

Mrs. Taylor. Am I intruding? 

Frank (wildly). By Heavens, ma'am, you are ! Stand 
back ! Come not near me ! I will dress, or die ! 

Mrs. Taylor. Why, Mr. Buncombe ! 

Frank {recognizing). O Mrsi Taylor ! pray excuse me, 
but I am nearly wild! Your daughter came here before I 
was dressed. 

Mrs. Taylor. Mr. Buncombe ! ! ! 

Frank {earnestly). Upon my soul, ma'am, she did come 
before I was dressed, — she, and another young lady; and 
they gave my dress-suit to an old clothes-dealer, and went 
away, leaving me in despair, — and a blanket. The class 
has gone into church without me. 

Mrs. Taylor. Poor fellow ! what are you going to do .'' 
{seating herself comfortably) 

Frank {taking stage, aside). Well, that is the coolest I 
have seen for some time. {Aloud, going up to her.) Are 
you familiar with the theatre, madam ? If so, you will re- 
member the quotation, — Imagine me in "Box." {Aside.) 
Strikes me I've been in box for some time {aloud) and you 
in Bouncer. {Aside.) Gad, how I'd like to bounce her! 
{Aloua) You remember, "Far be it from me to accelerate 
your movements, madam ; but the fact is, I'm going to put 
on my trowsers." 

Mrs. Taylor. That's a very good idea, Mr. Buncombe. 
Put them on, by all means. 

Frank {aside). They say, misery loves company ; but I'll 
be hanged if it does. {Aloud.) But, madam — 

Mrs. Taylor. Oh, don't change your mind ! I assure 
you, you will look much better in modern costume. 

Frank {excited). Do you imagine, madam — 

Mrs. Taylor. Oh,no, Idon'timagine, Iknowit ! There, 
run along, you foolish boy. {fanning herself) It's very warm. 

Frank. Warm? It's red hot. Do you mean to say that 
you are going to stay here, while I complete my trowsers, — 
I mean my toilette? 

Mrs. Taylor. Well, yes, if the operation is not too pro- 



CLASS-DAY. 13 

tra'cted. I suppose tbe spreads won't be ready for an hour 
yet ? 

Frank {aside). At noon the old gal's fancy lightly turns 
to thoughts of grub. (Aloud.) No, ma'am, the caterer's 
spreads won't be on for an hour; but this spread'll be off in 
less than a minute. 

Mrs. Taylor. There, run along, do. I won't let any one 
disturb you. 

Frank (grabs clothes savagely, and exits into alcove). 

Mrs. Taylor. Ha ! ha ! to think of the girls coming 
here, and making way with his clothes. Lottie is always up 
to some mischief; but this was too imprudent. I must talk 
to her seriously (fanning). Ah, me ! how class-day carries 
mc back (Fraxk comes in for brush. Takes it) to the time 
when I was young. 

Frank (aside). I wish it would keep her there. (Exit in 
alcove.) 

Mrs. Taylor. Mr. Taylor, poor man ! proposed to me on 
class clay, and Mr. Buncombe, the day after — too late! 
I might have been now the wife of the Honorable John 
Buncombe. Ah, me ! Now, he's a stiff and dignified wid- 
ower, and I in weeds these four years. Buncombe will be 
here to-day, I suppose. I wonder if Washington life and 
congressional cares have changed him much. (Knock.) 
Come in ! 

(Enter Hox. John Buncombe; black dress-coat and trous- 
ers, ivhite vest and white hat.) 

Hon. John (dignified). Ah, good-morning, madam, — good- 
morning. Why, it is — I am not mistaken — Mrs. Taylor.? 

Mrs. Taylor. No, ]\Ir. Buncombe. It is I. Somewhat 
changed, am I not ? 

Hon. John. Well, ahem, madam, time has not passed 
over either of our heads without leaving traces of his foot- 
steps; but you are looking uncommonly well, ma'am, — un- 
commonly well. (Aside.) She is indeed in a wonderful state 
of preservation. 

Mrs. Taylor. And you, I see, have the same elastic step 
and firm carriage as in former years. (Aside.) He has not 
moulted as much as I should have thought he would. 

Hon. John (aside). Prodigiously fine woman! — prodi- 
giously fine ! Somehow or other I never could get over my 
liking for her, in spite of her marrying another man. 



14 CLASS-DAY. 

(Aloud.) Charlotte — I should say Mrs. Taylor — beg 
pardon ! associations of the day carry trie back. 

Mrs. Tavlor. Don't apologize. I like it better, John — 
I mean Mr. Bunc — What a pair of old fools we are ! Stam- 
mering as though it was our class day. [Aside.) He is a 
noble looking man ! 

Hon. ]o\iti {aside). I wonder, now, if she'd marry me. It's 
rather suddeh, but then. If at first you don't succeed — 
{Aloud.) Madam — Mrs. Taylor — in fact, Charlotte — 
ahem, ah. (Mrs. T. is iurued away). Do you believe 
that true happiness and domestic tranquillity can be found 
in any state.? (Mrs. T. tunis suddettly, John starts back. 
Aside.) I must filibuster. {Aloud.) Ahem, any state ? 

M RS. Taylor {interrupting). Oh, don't talk politics to-day ! 

Hon. John. I — I won't, of course not. {Aside.) It isn't 
politic to talk politics. (Mrs. T. turns away. Aloud.) I 
mean, don't you believe in the union? 

Mrs. T aylok- {turning s/iarply). Of course I do. Do you 
take me for a Klu Klux.-* 

Ho.v. John. No, no, not for a Klu Klux, but I'd like to 
take you for — for — {Aside.) I must get into some sort of 
talk I'm more familiar with. {Aloud.) Charlotte, suppose 
we are in executive session, ahem, — executive session, and I 
nominate you as minister of the interior in the Buncombe 
mansion. What do you say? * 

Mrs. Taylor. Oh, but John, — we're not a committee 
of the whole. 

Hon. John. Why not ? 

Mrs. Taylor. Our children. We may not get their 
votes for such a measure. 

Hon. John. Oh, bother the children ! 

Mrs. Taylor. I think it would. 

Hon. John. I tell you what we can do. If they go 
against us, we will throw out the returns. Now then, all 
those in favor of this nomination will say aye. 

Mrs. Taylor. But I — 

Hon. John. The ayes have it. (Embraces her.) 

Mrs. Taylor. O John! Give us a fair count! (Enter 
from alcove hastily Frank, he has on black pants and vest 
and short light sack coat.) 

Frank. O Jupiter ! 

Hon. John (confused). Ah, ahem, ah, Frank, (With 



I 



CLASS-DAY. 15 

dignity.) How do you do, sir ? {Advances to shake hands. 
How do you do ? 

Frank {aside). There's a coat. I'll have it. {Coldly draw- 
ing back.) What does this mean, sir ? 

Hon. John. Mean sir? 

Frank. Yes, sir. Mean, sir ! How dare you, sir, on this 
day of all others, sir? 

Mrs. Taylor {beginning to cry.) There, I told you the 
children wouldn't have it. 

Hon. John {angry). Sir ! Sir ! Do you dare to talk to me 
in this way ? 

Frank. Yes, sir, I have all the courage of the what's-his- 
narae, lion, sir. You know better, — you are old enough to 
know better. 

Hon. John. Boy! Boy! Do you think to bulldose me ? 

Frank. Oh, come now, that won't do. It must be 
stopped. It's contrary to precedent, sir, — contrary to all 
laws of good breeding. It's contrary to the law of my class, sir. 

Hon. John. What have I to do with the law of your 
class? Can't I select — 

Frank. No sir, you can't select. You shall not disgrace 
me. 

Mrs. Taylor. Let me tell you, young gentleman, that 
your father does not disgrace you. His age should entitle 
him to your respect. 

Hon. John. Don't be too particular about my age Mrs. T. 

Frank. You don't know anything about it, madam. The 
affair don't concern you any way. 

Mrs. Taylor. Don't concern me? Well, I must say — 

Frank. No ! It don't concern you. And I will not have 
my father made the laughing stock of Cambridge by — 

Hon. John {interrupts.) Silence, sir ! ! 

Frank (shouting). By wearing a dress coat on class day 
sir!!! 

Hon John {surprised). What? 

Frank. Wearing a dress coat to-day. Only seniors are 
allowed to do that. 

Mrs. Taylor. Only that ? 

Hon. John. Is that all? 

Frank. That all? That's quite enough. Take it off, sir. 
Take it off. 

Hon. John. But — Let me investigate. 



l6 



CLASS-DAY. 



Frank. No hesitation, sir; — off with it. I'll not be re- 
sponsible for the consequences, if you are found " with cus- 
tomary suit of solemn blacl^, and all the trappings and 
habiliments" of — class day. Now, then. 
■ Hon. John {takimr off coat). Well, really. 

Frank {takes off his own). That's right, sir. Now put 
on this, sir. 

Hon. John. But, Frank, — 

Frank. For shame, sir! Would you remain in the 
presence of a lady in your shirt sleeves? {Helpins; him on 
with the coat, which is very short.) I never imagined a poli- 
tician would make so much trouble about changing his coat. 
There, sir; fits you like a book. {Puts on dress-coat.) 

Hon. John. Book.'' Well, it's not exactly a "handy vol- 
ume." Why, I declare, it has no ends {feeling for tails). 

Frank {a la IVoolsey). "Let all the ends thou aim'st at be 
thy country's! " Ha! ha! Good-by, dad; Fm off. l^Iadam, 
au revoir. {Exit.) 

Hon. John {calling after him). Here, Frank ! come 
back ! Well, this is pleasant. 

Mrs. Taylor. Never mind, John. This isn't so bad as 
what we thought, 

Hon. John. Yes; I did think he was going to try to 
defeat the committee on domestic affairs. 

Mrs. Taylor. You see the coat fitted us exactly. 

Hon. John {snrveyiug himself). The coat fitted us ? 
Well, Mrs. T., I do not know what your idea is of the proper 
relation of the outward garment to the human form divine; 
but it strikes me that I am somewhat transmogrified. I 
feel like the insignificant and wriggling pollywog, — suddenly 
awakened to the glory of frogship, with a painful conscious- 
ness of legs, and a lingering fondness for the departed caudal 
appendage. It is a change, ma'am, as I may say with the 
poet, " from grave to gay ; from swallow-tail to bob." 

Mrs. Taylor. Oh, never mind the caudal appendage I 
Perhaps, when you begin to receive curtain lectures from me, 
you won't care so much for Caudal appendages. 

Hon. John. Ha, ha ! very good for you, Mrs. Caudal, — 
I mean Mrs. Taylor. But it really is annoying. Talk of 
bringing one's gray hairs in sorrow to the grave ! Why, 
here I am, actually buried alive in a bob-tailed coat ! 

Mrs. Taylor. Oh, you are too sensitive 1 I must go 



CLASS-DAY. 17 

and see what has become of my daughter ; you will not let 
me go alone ? 

Hon. John {protesting). Why, really, — I — 

Mrs. Taylor. Thank you. {Takes his arm, rather 
agaitist his will.) It is rather nice to have a manly arm to 
lean on. 

Hon. ] oh^ {molli^ed). O Charlotte! Do j'ou think so.? 
{As they exeunt, Howard, entering hastily, caroms on Hon. 
John, who cries out.) Oh ! 

Howard. Look out {calling) Tka^k] {runs to dnor)\ 
Beg pardon ! {Shouts.) Beg pardon ! {Comes back.) This 
is most extraordinary. Frank nowhere to be found ! What 
an item for the papers! Mysterious disappearance of a 
class-marshal! — great excitement at Harvard! What will 
Miss Taylor do? By the way, I hope she brings her friend 
with her to-day. I saw her at the theatre last night. Isn't 
she a stunner! Oh, I'm clean gone there ! 

{Enter Frank, Lottie, Ned, a«^ Olive.) 

Ned {latcghing). Well, that was the best joke I've heard 
this year. I can see you in there now, and the poco going 
off with your suit. 

Frank {savage). Oh, yes, it was funny, — frightfully 
funny ! 

Lottie. I'm so sorry, Mr. Buncombe ! 

Olive. So am I. It must have been hard to part your 
hair in that dark place. 

Frank. Rather. Parting was such sweet sorrow! Ah, 
Howard ! How de do ! (Introducing.) Miss Hale, Mr. 
Howard. Miss Taylor, I think you know. {The ladies bow 
distantly.) 

Howard. Am most happy to meet you, ladies. {They 
turn away.) 

Ned. By the way, Lottie, where is mother? 

Lottie. She was to meet us in your room ; she's not 
there. 

Frank. But she was here, when I left; let me go and 
find her. For you, Miss Lottie, like what's-his-name, I'd 
" put a girdle round the earth in twenty minutes." 

Lottie. If you will be so kind. (Frank exit.) 

Howard. How have you enjoyed j'ourself to-day, Miss 
Hale ? 

Olive {coldly). Passably. 



i8 



CLASS-DAY. 



Howard. Been getting a peep at the inside of college 
life ? 

Lottie {wUh ineani7ig). I most certainly think we have. 

Howard (aside). What's the matter with these girls ? 
An iceberg is positively sizzling compared to them. {Aloiid.) 
It's very warm, isn't it.-* 

Olive. Well, every thing goes by comparison. It's not 
quite so warm — as the place a certain gentleman requested 
us to visit. 

Howard [aside). What does she mean ? 

Lottie. I should like a glass of water, Ned. 

Howard. Let me get it. {Exit.) 

Lottie. Ned, how dare you present us to such a person 
as that ."* 

Ned. Such a person as that ! What do you mean ? 

Olive. He's no gentleman! 

Ned. Howard, no gentleman? Why, you are crazy! 
He's one of the best fellows in the world ! 

Lottie. Well, the best fellow in the world told us to go 
to the — {poititing down.) 

Olive. Yes, he did, — the entire length of the expression. 

{Enter Howard with water). 

Ned. What do you mean by insulting these ladies ? 

Howard {astounded). What ! ! ! 

Ned. I ask you what you mean by insulting these ladies ? 

Howard. Come, Ned, don't chaff about such things ; I 
don't like it. 

Olive. He's quite in earnest. 

Lottie {sarcastic). Perhaps Mr. Howard's breeding is 
such that he sees no impropriety in telling us to — to — 

Ned. Go to the devil ! 

Olive. Yes, sir, — go to the devil ! 

Lottie. Yes, sir, — go to the devil! 

Howard {angry). Oh, very well ! {Exit.) 

Ned. Now, girls, what's the meaning of this ? 

Lottie. Why, we sent him a telegram from here just for 
fun ; and he sent back that answer. 

Olive. I think he's horrid ! 

Ned. Oh, there's some mistake ; he hasn't been in his 
room since eight o'clock, 1 know. 

Lottie. Oh, do run after him, and bring him back ! 

Olive. There ! another blunder of yours. 



CLASS-DAY. 19 

Lottie. It was as much yours as mine. Do go, Ned ! 

Ned. I'm off. {Exit.) 

Olive. You'll have to apologize. 

Lottie. So will you. What a lot of blunders we have 
made. Well, we can't make any more — that's one comfort! 
{They go to back R. and sit.) 

{Enter Hon. John, mopping face with handkerchief.) 

Hon. John. Nice time I've had of it ! No sooner had I 
left Mrs. Taylor, than I got into a crowd of young fellows, 
who all began to sing, "I'll bet my money on the bob-tailed 
nag ! " One of them slapped me on the back, and addressed 
me as old horse ; and, when I rebuked him for his disrespect, 
told menotto lose myequineimity. I do hate puns! Anotlier 
fellow asked me who stole the donkey, — as if a congressman 
knew any thing about donkeys ! Perhaps he thought I was 
from Indiana, and was interested in Hewitt's mules. I 
really think they meditated an assault ; for I heard one of them 
say " Shoot the coat"! I ran for dear life. But, just as I 
was coming up the stairs, one young gentleman addressed 
me as " Governor." Aha! that shows that even absurdity of 
dress cannot disguise the statesman {itirning. — seeing girls). 
Ah, young ladies, good-morning, — good-morning ! 

Lottie {to Olive). It's another confidence man. 

Olive. We haven't any clothes for you, old man ! 

Lottie. No, we can't be fooled twice in one day, — No 
clothes. 

Hon. John. Clothes ? I don't want any clothes {feeling 
coat). That is, I don't come here for 'em. I am Buncombe. 

Lottie. So I see. Buncombe won't do for us ! 

Hon. John. Won't it ? This is my son's room, I believe, 

Olive. Oh, he is a confidence man ! I wish Ned would 
come. 

Lottie. See here, old man, you might as well go ! Do 
you hear ? Two's company, you know, 

Hon. John, Shades of Horace Greeley ! My son strips 
.my coat from my back, and here are two untamed females 
actually turning me out of the room I've paid for, for four 
years ! I tell you I am the Honorable John Buncombe ! 

Both, Ha! ha ! ha! 

{Enter Ned ««</ Howard.) 

Lottie {to Howard). We wish to apologize for our rude- 
ness. It was all a mistake. 



20 CLASS-DAY. 

Hon. John {thinking he is meant). Then I forgive you. 
The heart which cherishes resentment against the young 
and lovely — 

Ned. Who's he ? 

Lottie. He says he's the Hon. John Buncombe. 

Howard {going to him, offeritig hand). Buncombe. How 
are you } Shake. 

Hon. John {dignified). How do you do, sir."* 

Olive {alarmed). Oh, dear! is it really he.? 

Howard (rtj-zV/d'). 'Sh — Humor him, and we'll have some 
sport. (/?/(/?<^/d; Hon. John.) We have heard of you, sir, for 
years. Your fame is bounded by no narrow limits. Would 
it be asking too much to request you to address us on this 
occasion.'' 

Hon. John {flattered). Well, — now, really — 

Ned. Please honor us. We may never again have a 
chance to hear a Buncombe. 

Hon. John. Ahem ! Every man should embrace his 
opportunity. 

Howard {to Olive). Oh that you were an opportunity! 

Ned. Now, then, sir, mount the rostrum {conducting him 
to the table). 

Hon. John {hesitating). But isn't it rather high ? 

Lottie. Poor man ! It's a shame. (Hon. John tnounts 
table with difficulty, Ned and Howard assisting.) ■ 

Ned. Now, sir, flap your wings, — I mean the wings of 
the American Eagle, — and go ahead. (Ned and Olive are 
in front of table, Howard and Lottie in rear.) 

Hon. John {raises hand for gesture). Ahem. Fellow — 

Howard {interrupting). Pull down your vest now. 
(Hon. John pulls at his vest. All laugh. Hon. John raises 
hand for gesture. Faces front.) 

Howard rt//rf Lottie (j-//^7//). Hear! Hear! (Hon. John 
turns to rear. Raises arm again). 

Ned rt/^r/ Olive. Hear! Wtz.x\{Wo^.'\ov.^ turns as before.) 

Howard rt;?^/ Lottie. Hear! Hear! (Hon. John /«r«j.) 

Ned rt//<^ Olive. Hear! Hear! 

Hon. John {turning). Well, young people, do you think 
I am a weathercock.'' 

Ned. A politician usually is. 

Hon. John. Young man, you are mistaken ! {All applaud- 
ing. All front.) Splendid ! Go on. 



CLASS-DAY. 21 

Hon. John. That isn't the speech, {All applaud vehe- 
inejttly.) 

Hon, John, Confound it ! Will you let me begin ? 
Ahem. " There are tides in the affairs of men " — 

Ned. Oh, pshaw ! That's Shakespeare ! Give us some- 
thing original. 

Hon. John (angry). Oh, damn it ! I 

Howard. That isn't original, either, I have heard it 
before often, 

Hon. John {continues). College life is a tide in your affairs 
which is to be taken at the flood — 

Lottie {interrupting). The flood? Seems to me he's 
going pretty far back. 

.Olive. Yes, old gentleman, do begin this side of the 
deluge. 

Hon. John. I say. Ahem. At some future time, the 
voice of conscience will ask — will ask — {Enter Frank 
and 'Mks. Taylor.) 

Frank. Dad, what are you doing ? 

Olive {aside). It really is his father. Oh, what shall we do ? 

Howard {with warning gesture). O Frank ! Your 
father was about to give us his ideas on class-day. He 
thinks there never was any thing so enjoyable. 

Mrs. Taylor. I believe you have been playing some 
game. (7b Hon. John.) You are ridiculous, sir! 

Hon. John. Oh, say not so ! Fair, fair Mrs. T. — 

Frank. Say, come down out o'that, dad, — " down to the 
vile dust from whence you sprung.'' Here. (Hon, John ^.e/j- 
down.) Which of you fellows will lend me a decent coat for 
dad ? I had to drive him out of his. 

Howard and Ned {together). I will. 

Frank. Come along then, and get it. We'll take the one 
that fits best. {Exeunt all males.) 

Mrs. Taylor. What were you about, girls ? 

Lottie. Oh, it was such fun ! We got him up to make a 
speech. He never dreamed we were chaffing him. Oh, it 
was too funny ! Here, I'll show you. (Puts chair near 
table; mounts table. Mrs. Taylor takes the chair, and sits 
near Olive at l., so Lottie is back to door. Lottie bur- 
lesques^ There is a tide in the affairs of men, (Enter males. 
Ned makes gesture to OuvE to keep quiet.) Which taken at 
the flood, leads — 



22 CLASS-DAY. 

Males (behind). Hear ! Hear ! 
Lottie [screams). Oh ! Oh ! Oh ! 
All. Hear! Hear! {]Ao\\\vs> crosses to OlAVE) 
Lottie. Take me down ! Take me down ! 
Mrs. Taylor. I think the best way to take you down 
is to let you stay up. 

Ned. I say, Lottie, what are you up for? 
Lottie. Up for all day, unless you let me down. 
Frank. Brace up, Lottie ! 
Olive. Jump. 

Lottie. I can't. I shall fall ! {Whimpering.) Please 
take me down, Ned, do. 
Ned. Not if I know it 

Lottie. Wont you, Mr. Buncombe ? , 

Hon. John. Ahem. Well, if your mother — 
Lottie. I didn't mean you, I meant Mr. Frank. Will 
you catch me .-' {Prepares to jiunp.) 

Frank. Oh, but I'm such a muff, you know ! and a muff 
can't catch any thing. Never mind, I'll try. {She jumps into 
his arms.) " Come rest on this bosom, my own stricken deer." 
{Crosses back.) 

Hon. John. Well, if this is a specimen of class-day, I 
should be glad they only came once in a life time. 
Howard {to Olive). Should you. Miss Hale ? 
Olive. Oh, I don't know. I haven't seen enough yet. 
Frank {comes forward, to Lottie). Oh, never mind, 
everybody must knpw it sometime, why not now.'' 
Lottie. Oh, but Frank, it's so public. 
Frank. Mrs. Taylor. I have long worshipped an idol. 
Ned {stands back of MRS. T's chair). Send for a mis- 
sionary. Worshipping an idol, is idle worship. 

Hon. John {severely). Young man. They hang people 
for that on the Mississippi. 

Frank {continues). The idol has consented to refer to 
the powers above. Would that I had my father's gift of 
gab, but " I am no orator as " Buncombe is. — In short, 
Lottie wants to marry me. 
Lottie. Frank ! ! 
Frank. Well, dont you ? 
Lottie. But that is not the way to put it. 
Frank {to, Mrs. T.). We wish a union between the 
houses of Taylor & Buncombe. 



CLASS-DAV. 23 

Hon. John. Then — ahem. — Your wish shall be grati- 
fied. Mrs. Taylor and I have already arranged it. 

Lottie. Oli thank you, dear mamma. 

Mrs. Taylor. Yes, 1 have accepted Mr. Buncombe's 
offer, and we have once more, a head to our family. 

Frank. When m.ay we be married.'' 

Hon. John. You be married.-' We are the ones to be 
married ? 

Frank. Lottie. Ned. What 1 ! 

Mrs. Taylor. And I'm so glad you like it. 

Frank. Lottie. Ned. But we don't. 

Frank. It shall not be. 

Lottie. It can not be. 

Ned. It must not be. 

Hon. John. Who is doing this marrying, anyhow.? 

Frank. I say, we'll compromise. 

Mrs. Taylor. How .? 

Frank. We'll both marry, or else I'll set up a rival house. 

Mrs. Taylor. I don't care, as long as I have the gov- 
ernor. 

Ned. But what's to become of me .'' 

Hon. John. Oh, I'll have you appointed Secretary of Le- 
gation to England. 

Ned. Thanks ! But I never gamble. 

Howard {to Olive). Miss Hale, you and I seem the 
only ones entirely counted out here. 

Olive. Well, we have only to devote ourselves still 
further to Class-day; I'm sure I've enjoyed it: — Have 
you (/(? others) ? 

Frank, Ned, Lottie, Mrs. Taylor. Oh, very much. 

Hon. John [x to /rout.] {Raises arui for gesture). [AW]. 
Hear! Hear! 

Hon. John. {As before. Frank passitts^ htm back). Hold 
on, dad, I know what you are going to say. That it is time 
we were going to the spreads, for we are mortal hungry, but 
I have one more question to pop. Is there any one else 
here that has enjoyed our Class-day ? {Some one applauds 
vehe7nently). Thank you, young man, come right around to 
our spread. 

Good night dear friends, our little play is done, 
Its purpose served when your applause is won. 

curtain. 



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LEE & SHEPABD, Publishers, Boston. 




COMPILED BY HIMSELF. 
Comprisi7ig' the Famous Aine?'ican Readings. 

In Neat Paper Covers. Price, 15 cts. Each. 

NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (at the Yorkshire School). 
THE STORY OF LITTLE DOMBEY. 
MR. BOB SAWYER'S PARTY. 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 
DR. MARIGOLD. 

BOOTS AT THE HOLLY TREE INN. 
NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (short reading). 
BARDELL AND PICKWICK. 
DAVID COPPERFIELD. 
MRS. GAMP. 
This style, for the use of readers and schools, is worthy of examination. 
Also, in one handsome i2mo volume, illustrated. $1.50. 



The Indepejideut Household Dickens. 

CHARLES DICKEIS'S ffOEKS. 

A new edition in Ji/teen \2mo vols. Elegantly bound and handsomely 

illustrated. 

Price per Volume, $1.50. 



DAVID COPPERFIELD. 
PICKWICK PAPERS. 
DOMBEY AND SON. 
OLD CURIOSITY SHOP. 
OLIVER TWIST. 
CHRISTMAS STORIES. 
EDWIN DROOD. 
CHILD'S HIST. OF ENG. 



TALE OF TWO CITIES. 
NICHOLAS NICKLEBY. 
LITTLE DORRITT. 
BLEAK HOUSE. 
GREAT EXPECTATIONS. 
OUR MUTUAL FRIEND. 
MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT. 
BARNABY RUDGE. 



In issuing this new edition, which will be furnished either in sets 

or separate volumes, the publishers offer the best edition for the price 

in the market. 

< < • • » 

LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, 

41-45 FRANKLIN ST., BOSTON. 



fl^j^ fof ^ktetif 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




BY GEORGE M. I C) 016 I03 498 3 



I 



Author of "Amateur Dramas," " Tiie Mimic Stage," " The Social Stage," " The Drawing- uuum 
Stage," " Handy Dramas," " The Exhibition Drama," "A Baker's Dozen," &c. 

Titles in this Type are ]Vew Plays. 

Titles in this Type are Temperance Plays. 



DRAMAS. 

In Three Acts. Cts. 

The Flower of the Family. 5 

mnle, 3 female char IS 

Enlisted for the Wak. 7 male, 3 fe- 
male characters 15 

My Brother's Keeper. S male, 3 fe- 
male cliar IS 

The Little lirottn Jug, 5 male, 3 

female char iS 

In Two' Acts. 

Above the Clouds. 7 male, 3 female 
characters '5 

One Hundred Years Ago. 7 male, 
4 female char '5 

Among the Breakers. 6 male, 4 female 
char 15 

Bread on the Waters, s male, 3 female 
char • 15 

Down by thk Sea. 6 male, 3 female 
char 15 

Once on a Time. 4 male, 2 female char. 15 

The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female char. 15 
/// One Act. 

Stand by the Flag. 5 male char. » . 15 

The Tempter, 3 male, i female char. 15 

COMEDIES AND FARCES. 

A Mysterious disappearance. 4 

male, 3 female char 15 

Paddle Your Own Canoe. 7 male, 

3 female char. / * ,' '^ 

A. Drop too Much. 4 male, 2 female 

characters ,' ' ' / '^ 

j4. Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 fe- 
male char • • '5 

A Thorn Among the Roses. 2 male, 6 

female char V " ,' ,' " '^ 

Never S.\Y Die. 3 male, 3 female char. 15 
Seeing the Elephant. 6 male, 3 female 

char • v ■ ,* L ■ '^ 

The Boston Dip. 4 male, 3 female chnr. 15 
Th:c DiJCHEss of Dublin. 6 male, 4 le- 

male char '5 

Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 

,1 male. 3 feinnle char • I5 

We're all Teetotalers. 4 male, 2 fe- 
male char ^5 

Male Characters Only. 

A Close Shave. 6 char 'S 

A Public Benefactor. 6 char iS 

A Sea of Troubles. 8 char '5 

A Tender Attachment. 7 char. ... iS 

Coals of Fire. 6 char. »S 

Freedom of the Press. S char. . . . is 

CEO. M. BAKER & 



COMEDIES, SiC, continued. 

Shall Our Mothers Vote? u cli.tr. 15 

Gentlemen of the Jury. 12 chir. . . 15 

Humors of the Stkike. 8 chnr. . . 15 

My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. . . 15 

New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . 15 

I'he Great Elixir. 9 char 15 

The Hvpochundriac. 5 char 15 

The Man with the Demijohn. 4 

char 15 

The Runaways. 4 char. 15 

The Thief OF Time. 6 char 15 

Wanted, a Male Cook. 4 char. ... 15 

Feinale Characters Only. 
A Love of a Bonnet. 5 char. . . . 15 

-A pKECiOLS Pickle. 6 char 

No Ci RE NO Pay. 7 char 

The Champion of Her Sex. S char. . 
The Greatest Plague in Life. 8cha. 

The Grecian Bend. 7 char 

The Red Chignon. 6 char 

Using the Weed. 7 char 

ALLEGORIES. 

Arranged for Music and Tableaux. 

Lightheart's Pilgrimage. 8 female 
char. . 

The Revolt of the Bees, q female 
char 

The Sculptor's Triumph, i male, 4 fe- 
male chnr 

The Tournament of Idvlc ui;t. 10 
female char 

Tiiii War of the Roses. 8 female char. 

M^JSICAL AND DRAMATIC. 

An Original Idea, i male, i female 
char r ■ ■ ■ ■ 1 ■ 

Bonbons ; or, the Paint King. 6 male, 
I female char 

Capuletta ; or, Romeo and Juliet 
Restored. 3 male, i female char. . 

Santa Claus' Frolics. ...... 

Snow-bound; or, Alonzo the Brave 
AND the Fair Imogene. 3 male, 1 
female char • • 

The Merry Christmas of the Old 
Woman who lived in a Shoe. . . 

The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male 

The Seven Ages. A Tableau Entertain- 
ment. Numerous male and female char. 
Too Late for the Train. 2 male char. 
The Visions of Freedom, h female 

char 

CO., 41-45 Franklin St., Boston. 



Baker's Humorous Dialogues. 
Baker's Humorous Dialogues. 



Male characters only. 25 cents. 
Female characters only. 26 cento. 



